Subtract 2/18 from 42/16
1st number: 2 10/16, 2nd number: 2/18
42/16 - 2/18 is 181/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 18 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
42/16 = 42 × 9/16 × 9 = 378/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 8 = 144,
2/18 = 2 × 8/18 × 8 = 16/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
378/144 - 16/144 = 378 - 16/144 = 362/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 181/72
- In mixed form: 237/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/16-2/18 42/16-4/18 42/32-2/18 42/16-2/36 42/16-6/18 42/48-2/18 42/16-2/54 42/16-10/18 42/80-2/18 42/16-2/90 42/16-14/18